Border killings take place for internal conflicts too: Home Adviser
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that border killings are not limited to actions by India's Border Security Force (BSF) but also occur due to internal conflicts among communities in the border areas.
He made these remarks in response to journalists’ questions at the Border Guard Training Center and College (BGTC&C) in Satkania, Chattogram, on Tuesday (December 31), during a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) event.
Addressing the recent incidents, the adviser said, "The two recent killings at the border were not caused by the BSF but by internal hostilities among Khasia groups. Khasia communities live on both sides of the border, and tensions within their groups sometimes lead to violence."
When questioned about ongoing border challenges, including drug smuggling and the killing of Bangladeshis, Jahangir Alam emphasised the resilience of the BGB.
“The BGB will never show its back to adversaries. They will face them head-on and respond decisively. False information spread by Indian media must be countered, and Bangladeshi journalists should play an active role in this regard,” he added.
He acknowledged a shortage of workforce within the BGB and emphasised the need for improved facilities. "I have served in the BGB twice, once as a sector commander and later as Director General. There is a pressing need to enhance manpower, food quality, and accommodation. Bringing these issues to the forefront will greatly benefit the organization," he told reporters.
Regarding tensions on the Myanmar border, the adviser assured that the situation was under control. "The border is secure, despite conflicts between the Arakan Army and Myanmar forces. The Arakan Army has taken over certain positions, which creates minor issues, but we maintain contact with both parties. There is no reason for Bangladesh to worry," he said.
He further mentioned the challenges of conducting flag meetings with Myanmar authorities, stating, "While we have contact with the Arakan Army, hosting meetings with them remains complicated due to logistical constraints."
On naval security, Jahangir Alam noted that Myanmar occasionally blocks larger ships from accessing St Martin’s Island through the Naf River but allows BGB and Coast Guard movements. He assured that ongoing discussions would resolve the issue soon.
The adviser addressed the recent abduction of 19 workers from the Jadimura area in Teknaf, saying, "Efforts are underway to rescue them, and we remain hopeful for a successful outcome."
The event marked the conclusion of basic training for the 102nd recruit batch at BGTC&C. A total of 695 recruits, including 649 males and 46 females, completed their 23-week-long rigorous training. The ceremony included a formal oath-taking and a closing parade, signifying the start of their careers as BGB soldiers.
BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, and other senior military and civilian officials were present at the event.
